Description

General aspect and origins - Citrus bergamia is also known as orange bergamot, or simply bergamot. It is a small evergreen tree that belongs to the Rutaceae familly. This Citrus is well-known for its strong and pleasant scent, that is used in the perfume industry, and is part of the bergamot flavored teas.
Leaves - The bergamot tree has an evergreen and a relatively light-green foliage, close to the one of the lemon tree. (Citrus limon)
Flowers - Flowers of bergamot are white and strongly perfumed.
Fruits - The bergamot, or orange bergamot, is a citrus fruit that looks like a slightly flattened and small lemon. Its skin is yellow to orange-yellow. The bergamot is seldom eaten raw, but is rather candied or processed to get the essential oils it contains.

Culture

The bergamot tree is not a very hardy citrus, and will be best grown in USDA zones 10a and warmer. It may be grown in very sheltered places in USDA zones 9b.
Soil - The bergamot tree needs a well-drained and fertile ground. It dislikes alcaline soils.